Viscosity regulator



NOV. 8, 1938. H. B CLARKE 2,136,040

vIscosITY REGULATOR Filed March 17, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet l A TORNEYS,

Nov.4 8, 1938.

Hl B. CLARKE VISCOSI'I'Y REGULATOR Fil-ed March 17, .1932

Z sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Nov. 8, 1938. H. B. CLARKE VISCOSITYREGULATOR Filed March 17, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 lNVENTOR fw 5%ATTORNEYS.

Patented Nov. 8, "i

'v also VISCOSITY GULA'IOR Henry a. Clarke, Gersen om, N. Y., mesneassignments, to Henry R. G

cago,lll.

or by cm' Application mmh 11, 1932, semi Nn. 599,493

22 Claims.

This invention relates to viscosity regulators and has for an'object asimple, eicient, inexpensive and durable apparatus for use in connectionwith the lubricating system o! an lnternal combustion engine forregulating the viscosity of the lubricant supplied to the bearings.

In an apparatus embodying the invention, the lubricating oil of aninternal combustion engine is delivered from the pump to a valve boxhaving two outlets, each being connected with a pipe coil, one of thepipe coils being arranged within a chamber included in the coolingsystem between the engine jacket and the radiator and the other coilbeing arranged around said chamber. The two coils discharge into a`conduit leading to the bearings. In the valve box there is provided avalve adapted to close either of the outlet ports, this valve beingelectrically operated by means controlled by a viscosity responsivedevice connected to the discharge conduit.

The oil is directed through the inner coil except when its viscositydecreases to the lower limit of a predetermined permissible` viscosityrange, whereupon it is directed through the outer coil until itsviscosity increases to the upper limit of the predetermined range whenit is again directed through the inner coil. During the initial periodof operation of the engine, the viscosity oi the oil is high and the oilis directed through the inner coil and also during the same period, thetemperature of the water delivered from the engine jacket to the chamberis higher than that oi the oil passing through the inner coil and theoil is heated by the water, thereby decreasing the viscosity of the oil.After a period of operation, the temperature of the oil exceeds that ofthe water and then the water tends to cool the oil to prevent unduedecrease of its viscosity. Should the viscosity of the oil decrease tothe lower limit of the predetermined range, the oil is directed throughthe exterior coil in which it is air cooled to increaseits viscosity.After the viscosity o! the oil reaches the upper limit of thepredetermined range, the oil is again directed through the inner coil. y

Other objects, novel features and advantages of this invention will beapparent from the following specication and accompanying drawings,wherein:

50 Fig. 1 is a side elevation o! an automobile engine equipped with aviscosity regulator embodyl ing the invention;

Flg. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the regulator;

Fig. 3 is a section-on the' line 3--3 of Fig. 2;

(Cl. 12S-196) Fig. 4 is a section on the line 5 4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; n

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram oi the solenoid energizing circuit;

Fig. 7 is a side elevatori of a modified form o f the invention;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8 3 of Fig.- 7, and` Fig. 9 is a. wiringdiagram.

Fig. l0 is a section through a viscosity responsive device.-

1 In Figs. i to 6 inclusive, the engine I0 is provided with a wateroutlet from its jacket to which j is connected a pipe il leading intoone end of a chamber i2 supported at the side of the engine. A conduiti3 leads from the otherend of the chamber l2 to the radiator M. A coilI5 is arranged within thel chamber i2 and a coil I6 is arranged aroundthe chamber i2. In the head il of the chamber there is provided a valvebox I8 having outlets communicating with the coils i5 and it. A. valvei9 is mounted on a shaft 20 journalled in the head l'i and carryingatits free end a yoire 2l. The arrangement of the valve i9 is such thatin one position it closes one outlet with the other open and in anotherposition it closes the second outlet with the iirst one open, thusestablishing communication between the valve box and either of the twocoils l5 and i6. A pipe ma leads from the lubricant pump (not shown)into the valve box iii. The coils i5 and i6 discharge into a conduit 22leading to the bearings.

A viscosity meter consisting of a viscosity responsive device 23 and apressure gauge 25 is connected to the pipe 22 and has an outlet pipe addischarging .into the sump of the engine iii. The gauge 25 oi theviscosity meter 23 is mounted on the instrument board and the dial 26 ofthe gauge supports a .pair of stationary contacts 21 and 28 arranged'near each end of the swing of the `pivoted pointer 29 of the gauge. Thepointer 29 is connected in series with a battery 80 and is'adapted toengage the contacts 21 and 2S to close electrical circuits hereinafterdescribed. 'I'he contact 2 is connected with the :deld winding of asolenoid 3i while the contact 28 is connected with the cid winding ofthe solenoid 32, these two solenoids being angularly related and beingin alinement with the yoke 2i. When the pointer 2S is engaged with thecontact 21, the solenoid 3l isenergized and when the pointer 2a is inengagement with the contact 28, the solenoid $2 is energized.

The arrangement of the yoke and solenoid is' such that the yoke acts asthem-mature for both solenoids and when the yoke is in alinement withone solenoid, the valve I9 closes one of the outlets from the valve boxand when the yoke is in alinement with the other solenoid, the valvecloses the other outlet. The yoke and valve are moved between the twopositions by alternately energizing lthe solenoids 3| and 32. Thearrangement of the Solenoids relative to the valve I9 is such that whenthe pointer 29 engages the contact 21, the port leading to the coil I6is open and when the pointer 29 engages the contact 28, the outlet tothe coil I5 will be open. A spring 2Ia serves to exert pull on the jvoke2l tending to hold it against eitherl of the stops 2lb, the yoke ineither of these positions being in alinement with one of the Solenoids.

When the engine is at rest, the pointer lies to the left of the contact21 and the yoke 2| is aligned with the solenoid3l, the valve I9 being sopositioned that the outlet from the valve chamber communicates with thecoil- I6. When the engine is started, the viscosity of the oil is highand the pointer 29 is therefore immediately moved to the extreme rightend of its swing and in moving to this position it engages the contact28, thereby closing the circuit through the eld winding of the solenoid32 and energizing the same to draw the armature 2i into alinementtherewith'. The valve i9 is thus actuated to close off the coil it anddirect the oil through the coil I5. During. the initial period ofoperation of the engine, the waterdelivered from the engine jacket tothe chamber is of higher temperature than the oil and therefore heatsthe oil, tending to reduce its viscosity. The pointer 28 moves to theleft as the viscosity decreases and again engages the contact 28, butthe position of the valve I 9 is unchanged. Continued operation of theengine results in an increase in the temperature of the oil above thatof the water so that the water` then tends to cool the oil to preventundue viscosity decrease. Should the oil viscosity continue to decrease,the pointer 29 will move further to the left and come into engagementwith the contact 21, thereby closing the circuit through the tleldwinding of solenoid 3l and energizing the same to draw the arm 2| intoalinement therewith, thereby closing oil' the coil I5 and directing theoil through the coil I6. The oil passing through the coil I6 isair-cooled, thereby causing its viscosity to increase. As the oilviscosity increases; the pointer 29 is again moved to the right and whenit again engages the contact 28 the solenoid 32 is again energized andthe valve I9 actuated to close oil the coil I6 and direct the oilthrough the coil I 5. A repetition of the cycle above otuned maintainsthe viscosity of the lubricant within a predetermined range, the rangebeing 'dependent upon the position of the contacts 21 and 28. When theengine is stopped, the viscosity meter ceases to function and thepointer 29 moves to the extremeleft end oi' its swing and in so doingengages the contact 21, thereby energizing the solenoid 3I to actuatethe armature 2I and valve I9 to close off the coil I 5 and open the ortleading to the coil I6.

The above de ribed apparatus maintains the lubricating oil of-aninternal combustion engine within a predetermined viscosity rangeirrespective of the initial viscosity rating of the oil and irrespectiveof dilution. The water of the cir- 'culating system tends to maintainthe oil Vat such temperature' that its viscosity lies within thepermissiblerange and the air-cooled coil provides means for restoringthe oilto the upper limit of l sure in the middle chamber.

amebic the permissible viscosity range in the event that the viscosityof the oil'decreases to the lower limit of such range.

Referring now to Figs. '7 to 9 inclusive, the pipe I8a discharges into avalve box I8' having outlet ports communicating with the coils I5 ,andI6. In the valve box is mounted a slide valve I9' adapted in oneposition to close off the coil I6. Solenoids 3|' and 32 surroundextensions of the valve box I8 and the valve I9 constitutes a commoncore for these solenoids.

As in the modification disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, the dial 26of the'gauge 2 5 supports a pair-of stationary contacts 21 and 28arranged to be engaged by the pointer 29, which is connected in serieswith a battery 30 and is adapted to close electrical circuitshereinafter described by engagement with the contacts 21 and 28. Thecontact 21 is connected with the field winding of the solenoid "3I whilethe contact 28 is connected with the ield winding of the solenoid 32'.When the pointer 29 engages the contact 21, the sole, noid 3I' isenergized ,and when the pointer 29 engages the contact 28, the solenoid32' is energized. Alternate energization of the solenoids 3I' and 32'causes movement of the valve I9 vfrom one of its positions to the other,thereby controlling the iiow of the lubricant through the coils I5 andI6-in the manner described in detail in connection with the modificationdisclosed in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive. In view of the detailed descriptionof operation of the rst modification, the operation of the secondmodification is offered without further explanation.

The viscosity responsive device 23 consists of a housing divided intothree chambers by partitions 33 and 34. A pipe 35 leads from the pipe 22to the middle chamber and a pipe 36 leads from the left hand chamber tothe pressure gauge 25, the pipe 24 leading from the right hand chamber.'I'he partition 33 is provided with an orilce 33a, the resistance ofwhich to liquid ilow is substantially independent of the viscosity ofthe liquid and a friction tube 31 leads from the left hand chamber tothe right hand chamber, the resistance ofthe friction tube to liquidiiow being dependent upon the viscosity of the liquid. The partition. isprovided with a port which is adapted to be closed by a spring actuatedvalve 38, this valve serving to maintain constant pres- Oll is suppliedto the middle chamber through the pipe 85 and flows through the orifice'and friction tube at the same rate and is then discharged into the righthand chamber from which it is discharged through the pipe 24 into thesump and constant pressure is maintained within the middle chamber bymeans of the relief valve 38, the pressure ofV oil in the pipe 35 beingat all times greater than the pressure required to actuate the valve 38.As constant pressure is maintained inl the middle chamber, oil issupplied to the orifice at Y constant pressure and as its resistance toow is independent of viscosity and the rate of flow through` the oriceand the friction tube is the same,- the pressure of the oil in the lefthandA chamber is a measure of the rate of ilow through the friction tubeand is a function of 'the oil viscosity. Change in the oil viscosityresults in `change of pressure applied to the gauge 25 and effectsregulation oi' flow through the coils as above explained.'v

It is of course understood that various modications may be made in thestructure above described, without in any way. departing from the spiritof the inventionl as dened in the appended claims.

I claim: A

1. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming part of said cooling system, a coil of pipe insaid chamber, a coil oi pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduit intowhich both of said coils discharge, a lubricant supply pipe, valve meansfor connecting said supply pipe with either of said coils, viscosityresponsive means including a chamber in which the pressure of liquidflowing therethrough is a'fun'ction of its/viscosity, connections forsupplying lubricant fromsaid conduit to said viscosity responsive means,and means responsive to the pressure in said chamber for controlling theposition of the valve means.

2. In combinationwith an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming part of said cooling system, a coil of pipe insaid chamber, a coil of pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduit intowhich both of said coils discharge, a lubricant supply pipe, valvemeansI for connecting said supply pipe with either of said coils,viscosity responsive means including a v chamber in which the pressureof liquid owingA therethrough is a function of itsxviscosity,connections for supplying lubricant from. said conduit to said viscosityresponsive means, and electro-magnetic means responsive to the pressurein said chamber for controlling the position of the p valve means.

3. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part of the cooling system, a coil of pipewithin said chamber, a coil of pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduitinto.which said coils discharge, a valve box having an outlet portcommunicating with each of said coils, a valve in'said 'box for closingeither outlet, a lubricant supply pipe leading to said valve box,viscosity responsive means including a chamber in which the pressure ofliquidi owing therethrough is a func; i

tion of its viscosity, connections for supplying lubricant from saidconduit to said viscosity kresponsive means, and means responsive to thepressure insaid chamber for actuating said-valve.

4. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming apart of the cooling system, a coil oi pipewithin said chamber, a coil of pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduitinto which said coils dischargefa valve box having an outlet portcommunicating with each of said coils,a vave in engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part of the cooling system, a`coi1 of pipewithin said chamber, a coil of pipe exterior, of

said chamber, a conduit into which said coils dis charge, a valve boxhaving an outlet port communicat/ing with each of said coils, a valve insaid box for closing either outlet, a lubricant suping lubricant from.said conduit to said viscosity responsive means, a pair oi.angularlyrelated solenoids, a rotatable common amature for said solenoids,connections between said armature and said valve, and means responsiveto the pressure in said chamber for selectively energizing saidsolenoids.

6. In combination with an internal combustion engine. having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part of the cooling system, a coil of pipewithin said chamber, a coil of pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduitinto which said coils discharge, a valve box having an outlet portcommunicating with each of said coils, a valve vin said box for closingeither outlet, a lubricant supply pipe leading to said valve box,viscosity responsive means including a chamber in-which the pressure ofliquid ilowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity, connectionsfor supplying lubricant from said conduit to said viscosity responsivemeans, a pair of angularly related solenoids, a rotatable common amaturefor said solenoids, connections between said armature and said valve,energizing circuits for said solenoids comprising a pair of stationarycontacts and a contact movable into engagement with either of saidstationary contacts, and meansresponsive toO the pressure in saidchamber for controlling the position oi said movable contact.

'i'. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming apart of thecooling system, a coil of pipewithin said chamber',` a coll of pipe exterior of said chamber, aconduit into which said coilsdscljiarge'e4 lubricant supply pipe, valvemeans for connecting said supply pipe with either of said coils,viscosity responsive means including a, chamber 'in which the pressureof liquid flowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity,connections for supplying lubricant from said conduit to said viscosityresponsive means, a pair of angularly related solenoids, a rotatablecommon amature for said solenoids, connections between said .amature andsaid valve means, and means responsive to the pressure in saidvchamberfor selectively energizing said solenoids.

8. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part oi the cooling system, a coil of pipewithin said chamber, a coil oi pipe exterior of said chamber, aconduitinto which said coils discharge, a lubricant supply pipe, valvemeans duit to said viscosity responsive means, a pair of angularlyrelated solenoids, a rotatable common armature for said solenoids,connections between said armature and saidwvalve means, energizing`circuits for said solenoids comprising a pair of stationary contactsand a contact niem-l `bei' movable into engagement with either of saidcontacts, and means responsive to the pressure in said chamber forcontrolling the position of the movable contact.

f 9. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber, a, coilof pipe within said chamber, a coil of pipeexterior ofsaid chamber. a conduit into which said coils discharge, avalve box having outlet ports connecting with said coils, a lubricantsupply pipe leading to said valve box, viscosity responsive meanslincluding a chamber in which the nections for supplying lubricant fromsaid conpressure of liquid flowing therethrough is a function of itsviscosity, connections for supplying lubricant from said conduit to saidviscosity responsive means, a valve within said box rotatable to closeeither outlet, a pair of angularly related solenoids, a yoke rotatablewith said valve and constituting a common armature for said solenoids,yieldable means tending to hold said yoke with the valve in either ofits two port closing positions, and means responsive to the pressure insaid chamber for selectively energizing said solenoids.

10. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber, a coil of pipe within said chamber, a coil of pipeexterior of said chamber, a conduit into which said coils discharge, avalve box having outlet ports connecting with said coils, a lubricantsuprotatable to close either outlet, a pair of angularly relatedsolenoids, a yoke rotatable with said valve and constituting a commonarmature for said solenoids, yieldable means tending to hold said yokewith the valve in either of its port closing positions, energizingcircuits for said solenoids comprising a pair of stationary contacts anda contact movable intov engagement with either of said stationarycontacts, and means responsive to the 7pressure in said chamber forcontrolling the position of said movable contact.

1,1. In combination with aninternal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part of the cooling system, a coil of pipewithin said chamber, a coil of pipe exterior of said chamber, a conduitinto which said coils discharge, a lubricant supply pipe, valve meansfor connecting said supply pipe with either of said coils, viscosityresponsive means including a chamber in which the pressure of liquidowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity, connections forsupplying lubricant from said conduit to said viscosity responsivemeans, a pair of solenoids having a common amature for actuaating saidvalve means, and means responsive to the pressure in said chamber forselectively energizing said solenoids.

12. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a coolingsystem, a chamber forming a part of the cooling system, a coil ofofsolenoids having a common armature for actu-V ating said valve means,energizing circuits for said solenoids comprising a pair of stationarycontacts and a contact movable into engagement with either of saidstationary contacts, and means responsive to the pressure in saidchamber for controlling the position of said movable contact.

13. In combination ,with the lubricating system of an internalcombustion engine, a pair of, 1

means for attemperating the oil in the system, a conduit into which saidattemperating means j tem for operation upon by a portion only of theresponsive means including a chamber in which the pressure of liquidowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity, connections forsupplying oil from said conduit t'o said viscosity responsive means, andelectro-magnet means responsive to the pressure in said chamber foractuat- 10 ingsaid valve.

14. In combination with the lubricating system of an internal combustionengine, a pair of means for attemperating the oil in the system,

'a conduit into which said attemperating means 15 discharge, a valvechamber communicating with both said attemperating means, means forsupplying oil to-said chamber, a slide valve movable to close 01T eitherattemperating means, a

pair ofsolenoids having said valve for a common core, viscosityresponsive means including a chamber in which the pressure of liquidflowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity, connections forsupplying liquid from said discharge conduit to said viscosityresponsive means,

and means responsive to the pressure in said chamber for selectivelyenergizing said solenoids.

15. In combination with the lubricating sys` tem of aninternalcombustion engine, a pair of means for attemperating the oil in thesystem,'30

to close off either attemperating means, a pair of solenoids foractuating said valves, energizing circuits for said solenoids comprisinga pair of stationary contacts and a contact member movable into'engagement with either of said stationary contacts, viscosityresponsive means including a chamber in whichthe pressure of liquidilowing therethrough is a function of its lviscosity, connections forsupplying liquid from said conduitv to said viscosity responsive means,and means responsive lto the pressure in lsaid chamber forcontrollinggthe position of said movable contact member.

16. Ina fluid system comprising two iiuid paths, attemperating means ineach path, viscosity responsive means connected to said sysiluid flowingfrom said paths under pressure and including a chamber wherein thepressure of tbe ilucl flowing therethrough is la function of itsviscosity, and means responsive to the pressure of the uid in saidchamber for controlling iiow through said paths.

17. In a uid system comprising two uid paths,

' attemperating means in each path, valve means for controlling owthrough said paths, viscosity responsive means connected to said systemfor operation upon by a portion only of the iluid owing from said pathsunder pressure and including a chamber wherein the pressure of the iiuidowing therethrough is a function of its viscosity, and means responsiveto the pressure in said chamber for actuating said valve means.

18. In combination with an internal combus- "tion engine, a coolingsystem therefonand a lubricating system therefor, said lubricatingsystem comprising a pair'of oil paths, one of said oil paths being inheat exchange relationship with the uid of the cooling system, a commonconduit Vinto which both of said oil pathsdischarge and leading to theengine bearings, viscosity responsive means connected to said conduitand including a chamber in' which the pressure of liquid iiowingtherethrough is a function of its viscosity, and means responsive to thepressure in said chamber for controlling ow through said paths.

19. In combination with an internal combus tion engine, a cooling Wstemtherefor and a lubricating system therefor, said lubricating sys" temcomprising a pair of oil paths, one of said oil paths being in heatexchange relationship with the iluid of the cooling system, a commonconduit into which both of said oil paths discharge and leading to theengine bearings, valve means for regulating flow through said paths,viscosity responsive means connected to said conduit and including achamber wherein the pressure of liquid iiowing therethrough is afunction of its viscosity, and means responsive to the pressure in saidchamber to actuate said valve means.

20. In a system having a circulating liquid, means to indicate theviscosity of said liquid, means to heat said liquid, means to-cool saidliquid, and means operable by said first mentioned A means selectivelyto cause said heating and said cooling means to function.

2l. In a system having a circulating liquid, means to circulate saidliquid, a viscosity measuring device, means to bypass a portion of saidliquid through said device, heating means connected to said system,cooling means connected to said system, means selectively to permit thepassage of the liquid through either the heating or the cooling meanswhile inhibiting its passage through the cooling or the heating means,and a relay operable under control of said device to operate saidlast-mentioned means.

22. In a system having a circulating liquid, means to determine theviscosity of said liquid, a. water cooling system, and means operable bysaid first mentioned means to cause said cooling system to cool saidliquid under predetermined conditions of viscosity of said liquid.

HENRY B. CLARKE.

